Spinach and Cheese Breakfast Strata – Easy Make-Ahead Brunch Recipe
1. Introduction
If you’re looking for the ultimate make-ahead breakfast dish that feeds a crowd and looks impressive without much fuss, a Spinach and Cheese Breakfast Strata is the answer. Imagine golden-baked bread cubes soaked in savory custard, layered with fresh spinach and gooey cheese—it’s like a cross between a casserole and a savory bread pudding.
This dish is comforting, wholesome, and perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. The beauty of a strata is that it’s customizable—you can swap cheeses, add proteins, or sneak in extra veggies. Plus, you can assemble it the night before, pop it in the fridge, and simply bake it in the morning. By the end of this recipe, you’ll know exactly how to make it foolproof and delicious every single time.
2. Ingredients Breakdown
- Day-Old Bread (8 cups, cubed): Slightly stale bread works best because it soaks up the custard without getting mushy. French bread or sourdough are great options.
- Spinach (6 cups, fresh): Wilted down for flavor and nutrients. Frozen spinach works too (just thaw and drain well).
- Eggs (8 large): The base of the custard mixture that binds everything together.
- Milk (2 cups): Whole milk makes it rich, but any milk works. For extra creaminess, use half-and-half.
- Cheese (2 cups, shredded): A mix of cheddar, mozzarella, or Gruyère adds depth and meltiness.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Adds savory flavor.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Enhances the spinach layer.
- Butter (2 tbsp): For sautéing and richness.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.
- Nutmeg (¼ tsp, optional): A classic touch in egg-based casseroles.
Substitutions & Options:
- Use gluten-free bread if needed.
- Swap spinach for kale, broccoli, or mushrooms.
- For protein, add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham.
- Try Swiss, feta, or pepper jack for different cheese vibes.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare bread:
Cube bread into bite-sized pieces and spread evenly in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook spinach mixture:
In a skillet, melt butter. Sauté onion until soft, add garlic, then stir in spinach until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. - Layer ingredients:
Spread spinach mixture over bread. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top. - Make custard:
In a large bowl, whisk eggs and milk with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pour evenly over bread mixture, making sure all cubes are moistened. - Rest:
Cover dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor). - Bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove wrap, cover with foil, and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 20–25 minutes, until golden and set in the center. - Serve:
Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, garnished with herbs.
4. Tips and Variations
- Best bread choice: Rustic loaves like sourdough or baguette give better structure than sandwich bread.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the night before to save time in the morning.
- Add a protein boost: Fold in diced ham, sausage, or smoked salmon.
- Veggie-packed version: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for more color and flavor.
- Cheesy twist: Mix different cheeses for a deeper flavor profile.
5. Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh fruit salad for a light contrast.
- Pair with crispy bacon or sausage for a hearty breakfast.
- A side of green salad makes it brunch-ready.
- Drinks: Hot coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice balance the richness.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 1–2 minutes, or bake in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through.
7. Recipe Notes
- Works best with day-old bread for proper soaking.
- Don’t skip the resting step—it allows flavors to meld.
- Double the recipe for large gatherings or holiday brunch.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving, approx., based on 8 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Sugar | 4g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Protein | 18g |
| Sodium | 540mg |
| Cholesterol | 210mg |
| Calcium | 260mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Breakfast / Brunch
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (with chilling)
Ingredients
- 8 cups day-old bread, cubed
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Gruyère)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place cubed bread in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook onion, garlic, and spinach in butter; spread over bread.
- Sprinkle cheese on top.
- Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper; pour over bread mixture.
- Chill at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Bake at 350°F, covered, for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake 20–25 more minutes.
- Rest 10 minutes, then serve warm.
10. FAQs
1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it the night before and bake in the morning.
2. Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely. Just thaw and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
3. What’s the best bread for strata?
Crusty breads like sourdough, baguette, or ciabatta work best.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute with gluten-free bread.
5. Can I add meat?
Yes! Cooked bacon, ham, sausage, or even chicken work beautifully.
11. Final Thoughts
This Spinach and Cheese Breakfast Strata is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With layers of bread, eggs, spinach, and cheese, it’s hearty, flavorful, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, hosting a holiday breakfast, or just want to meal-prep for busy mornings, this strata will quickly become a favorite. Try it out and let me know how your family enjoys it—I guarantee it’ll earn a spot in your go-to recipe collection.